Stewart Crameri is returning to Maryborough Football Netball Club. The former Essendon, Western Bulldogs and Geelong forward spoke with Maryborough coach Ben Lavars last week and has agreed to play a role with his home club. "Stewie's just finished his AFL career, so he wants to give his body a rest for a bit,'' Lavars said. "He hasn't made a commitment to how many games he can play though the year, but he has commited to helping out the club as much as he can. "He'll help with game stuff and he'll come to training to help the young guys out. "As much as we'd love to get him for as many games as we can, just having him around the club is going to be huge for us." Crameri, 30, played 103 senior games at AFL level. An eye injury and groin injuries restricted him to four games with Geelong in 2018. "He doesn't want to say 'I'll play five games' and then his body dooesn't hold up and he only plays one game,'' Lavars said of Crameri. "It all depends on his body and how he's feeling." Crameri's return is perfect timing for the Magpies. Despite only winning one game for the year, the Magpies were more competitive under Lavars in 2018 and the future looks far brighter than it did 12 months ago. "With recruiting, to say to players that he (Crameri) is on board to help out is huge for us,'' Lavars said. "To talk to young players around the district leagues and say that we have Stewie Crameri here to help with your development... has to help us. "Even for me as coach, I've spoken with Stewie about pre-season training and game day things that he has a lot of knowledge about. "What he brings to the club is more than just about on-field stuff." It's been a positive off-season for the Pies. For the first time in a number of years the player retention rate is high. "About 90 per cent of this year's group has re-signed for next year,'' Lavars said. "The top 10 players in this year's best and fairest have all re-signed, which is a great sign. "When I took on the coaching job at this time last year we had my signature and that's it. "It's a massive improvement for the club. We're talking to a number of recruits from outside of the club. We're close to some signings, but not quite there yet." Related: Crameri proud to get to game 100 Related: Crameri off the leash after 559 days in exile